Motorized Intramedullary Lengthening Nails: Outcomes and Complications

The outcomes of motorized intramedullary lengthening nails are overwhelmingly good with acceptable complication rates and high surgeon satisfaction. While patients report overwhelming approval to surgeons, universal orthopedic outcomes scores fail to capture the true benefits of these procedures. Many studies have been cited in table format in this report. Pearls from experienced surgeons are reviewed and include the benefits of antegrade nailing over retrograde, prophylactic soft tissue release, and blocking screw use. Pitfalls are explored to keep the reader vigilant for mechanical failure of the nail, delayed healing, and common tibial difficulties. Through compiling data, estimates of collective complication incidence are presented.